This page summarises Hearth Childcare's approach to safeguarding. The full policy contains detailed procedures, safeguarding contacts and further information.

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Our Commitment

The safety, welfare and wellbeing of every child is a priority at Hearth Childcare.

I aim to provide childcare that is safe, respectful, inclusive, child-centred and responsive to each child's individual needs, including children with additional, developmental, sensory or communication needs.

Recognising & Responding to Concerns

I remain alert to signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation and other safeguarding concerns. Concerns may also appear through changes in a child's behaviour, emotions, communication or general wellbeing.

If a child tells me something that may indicate a safeguarding concern, I will listen calmly, allow them to speak in their own words, avoid leading questions, reassure them and record the information accurately.

I will seek appropriate safeguarding advice or make a referral where necessary.

If a child is in immediate danger, I will contact 999.

Safeguarding & Information Sharing

Where necessary, concerns may be reported to children's social care, the police, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or another appropriate safeguarding professional.

Information will normally be kept confidential, but may be shared where there is a lawful safeguarding reason to protect a child or another person.

Only relevant and necessary information will be shared wherever possible.

Safety in the Home

Because Hearth Childcare takes place in the child's own home, parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that the home is reasonably safe and suitable for childcare.

Known hazards or circumstances that could affect safety should be disclosed.

I may pause or end a session if I believe the environment presents a serious or immediate risk.

Personal Care, Health & Emergencies

Personal care such as nappy changing and toileting will be provided respectfully, maintaining the child's dignity, privacy and individual needs.

Hearth Childcare does not routinely administer medication.

Accidents, injuries and significant incidents will be recorded appropriately and communicated to parents/guardians.

In an emergency, the child's immediate safety comes first and appropriate emergency assistance will be sought.

Family Start & Professional Boundaries

Family Start takes place with a parent or responsible adult present throughout.

I maintain appropriate professional boundaries with children and families and will use age-appropriate communication, respect children's privacy and personal space, and avoid inappropriate or secretive communication.

Children will never be encouraged to keep secrets from their parents or trusted adults.

Photography & Children's Privacy

Photographs or videos will not be used publicly without appropriate parental/guardian permission.

Permission for daily updates is separate from permission to use photographs on the Hearth Childcare website, advertising or social media.

Children's privacy and safety will always be considered when photographs or online communication are used.

Concerns About Hearth Childcare

If an allegation or concern is made about me, I will take it seriously and cooperate with any appropriate safeguarding, police or LADO process.

I will not attempt to privately investigate or resolve an allegation where official safeguarding involvement may be required.

Parents or other individuals can raise safeguarding concerns directly with the appropriate safeguarding authority if they believe a child may be at risk.

Full Safeguarding Policy

This page is a summary. The full Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy contains detailed procedures, local safeguarding contacts, record-keeping arrangements, training information, emergency procedures and relevant legislation and guidance.

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Hearth Childcare – Contact Us
Email: hearthchildcare@gmail.com

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Last updated: August 2026
Next review: January 2027 (Yearly)